July 7th Surgery Date - nerves are getting the best of me.

OK, the time is nearing and I'm having doubts. My daughter had her RNY last August and is doing fabulous - lost 125 lbs - looks like she did in HS. She is my guiding force. My problem is that I have health issues that she didn't - diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diastolic dysfunction-heart, permanent blood clots in my left jugular vein and subclavical vein, and most recently a stent in my heart. I've checked out w/all my docs and have got the AOK, but I'm worried about something going wrong. I need this surgery to get my health on track, but I need all the support that I can get from those of you who have already been there. As the day gets closer, I get am more stressed and find myself questioning my decision. Thanks in advance for your support. Jackie

I havent been there yet. July 17th. But I am sending you best wishes and thoughts and I know that staying as positive as you can and not stressing (thats a hard one I know) helps in your recovery. The Drs know more than we do and if they say you are good to go, then you need to trust that you are. I too have questioned my decision, but only for a second, I want this so badly, I am so sick of being fat and out of energy and not being able to walk much. A new life awaits us. I am ready for the transformation, cause I am unhappy living like this. peace and blessings to you ...................................................

Lily, Thanks so much for your support - heard a newscast this morning while getting dressed about neg. attitude vs. pos. attitude on health, so I was reminded what I know already, but forget to apply - there are so many positives for this surgery and I will continue to focus on them. If I were having gall bladder surgery instead, I wouldn't even question it - too bad we have to make the decision ourselves - it would relieve a lot of pressure. Good luck to you - I will keep you in my prayers. Jackie

Hi Jackie, If the doctor's cleared you, you should be fine. Thing positive, good thoughts and walk, drink lots of water and do deep breathing exercises. That will help for after surgery. Congratulations on July 7. I'm 2 days after you. ---jan---

Jan, Thanks for the encouraging words - I'm feeling more positive b/c I know that positive thoughts are better for healing than negative ones. Good luck w/your surgery - you will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and the start of your new life. Jackie

I'm also July 7 at Northwestern in Chicago. I think the doubts are always there but so many people I talk with are so happy with the results. RNY for me. Since I started this they tell me I have sleep apnea (the CPAP machine seems to be a big bother to me) though I've had no symptoms and seem to sleep worse with the machine. Also some blood problems I didn't know of before and my polio history seems to have beena problem. I've had diabetes several years and hoep that gets better. I also agree the surgeyr is to get my health on track. I am sure we'll do well, seems too late to turn back! Best to you, Nathan

Nathan, Wishing you a speedy recovery - I too have sleep apnea - have been using my CPAP for almost 2 years. Did you try different masks? I couldn't stand anything in my nose so I went with one that goes over my nose, but not over my mouth. I am so used to it now that it's very normal to me. I'll keep you in my prayers. What time is your surgery? Mine is @ 8:00am. Will be looking forward to hearing from you letting me know that all went well. I'll do the same. I don't think God would have lead me here if this wasn't what I am supposed to do - I've put it in his hands and the medical people as well. Jackie

Jackie, thanks for the response and the encouragement. Yours is the first message I've gotten on this site. I'll also keep you in my thoughts, particularly at 8 am Monday, my surgery is at 11 am. I'm glad you worked out the CPAP, it gives me hope. I think after I'm home I'll look into different masks, time has just creeped up. I appreciate your thoughts about we are here because this is what we are supposed to be doing. You've got a wonderful spirit-- I really appreciate it. All the best and we'll touch base soon! Nathan

Nathan, Just got back from a family gathering - wedding gift opening (my youngest daughter got married 3 weeks ago) and birthday celebrations. I am starving right now - had a small bite of cake w/o icing and some berries - on clear liquids now - this too will pass. I'm a little nervous, but still know it's the best thing for me - just got an email from one of my former adult students (I teach one class @ IVY Tech) and she had the surgery done on June 25th - she has lost 21 lbs so far - said the surgery was easy and had no pain - that's the stuff you & I need to hear!!! Don't forget to take you CPAP w/you tomorrow - my middle daughter, the respiratory therapist reminded me today not to forget. Will your family be there to support you? All 3 of my daughters and my husband will be there for me. Keeping you in my prayers until I hear your success story - just think, when I'm coming out of surgery, you will be going in. I'll email as soon as I get home and feel up to chatting. Wishing you a world of success - we are on a journey of a lifetime and remember God will take care of us - just put it in His hands. Jackie

Jackie, I'm just about to have dinner. Barbecued and almost burned down the house! I guess I'm a bit nervous. Lots of friends have called but I don't have much to say. I want to get on the other side of tomorrow. My daughter from Southern Indiana is here with me, and my partner is here and will be with me throughout (just retired last month). So I feel well supported. I've heard from several folks that they had none or little pain. Yes won't forget the CPAP-- had almost 5 1/2 hours on it last night-- that is a new record or nearly. I'm sure we'll be chatting soon. They say 2-3 days so I hope to be home by Thursday. Will check in soon. Hang in!!! Nathan